Emerging Opportunities in AI, Cybersecurity, and Business Analytics
Upper Iowa University (UIU) is introducing five new degree programs this fall aimed at equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and business analytics. These programs are designed to meet the growing needs of businesses across the country, especially those operating in smaller communities where technology adoption may be slower.
For many local business owners, concepts like AI and cybersecurity might seem distant or complex. However, experts emphasize that these areas are becoming essential components of modern business operations. Nathan Gilmore, Dubuque County’s IT Director, highlights the importance of investing in these fields. “It only takes one breach or one incident to potentially make them close up shop or wipe out years of profits,” he says. According to cybersecurity company SentinelOne, data breaches occur every 39 seconds, making it clear that these threats are not just theoretical.
Gilmore compares the necessity of cybersecurity to everyday expenses like electricity or water bills. “It’s just part of doing business,” he explains. In addition to protecting companies from cyber threats, AI can also offer significant benefits for small businesses. By automating tasks such as billing, scheduling appointments, and answering customer inquiries online, AI can save time and reduce operational costs. “It’s automated. You’re not using actual staff time. Those are the sorts of force multipliers you can use AI in a very positive fashion,” he adds.
The demand for skilled professionals in these fields is increasing rapidly, and UIU is responding by launching new programs tailored to meet that need. Dr. Billie Cowley, Vice President for Academic Affairs at UIU, calls the decision a “no-brainer.” The university will offer the following programs starting this fall:
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Business Administration, Cybersecurity
- Master of Business Administration, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Master of Public Administration, Cybersecurity
These programs are expected to provide a steady supply of trained professionals who can support businesses in the Upper Midwest region. Gilmore notes that while much of the work in these fields can be done remotely, there is still a strong preference among local businesses for in-person interactions. “Main Street is also a very face-to-face type world. They want to talk to somebody,” he says.
Cowley acknowledges that AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace. “We’ve done some AI training with faculty, and what we learn in the fall is now different than what we know in the spring,” she says. To keep up with these changes, the programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable. “That is massive because this is not a static industry,” Gilmore explains. “If those programs are set up to incorporate the changes that are here and coming, that is a massive boom for these programs because this stuff is changing monthly.”
Enrollment in these programs will be based on demand, and UIU plans to hire additional staff as needed. Cowley, who has been involved in the development of these programs, shares her personal connection to the university. “Upper Iowa is like home to me and my husband,” she says. “To see this growth, there’s no words to describe what this means.”
With these new programs, UIU is positioning itself as a key player in preparing the next generation of professionals for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
